Your First Baby Swim Class: What to Bring and How to Prepare

Taking your little one to their first baby swim class? Swimming with your child is one of the most fun things you can do. But for your first session, you might not know what to expect or prepare for a smooth experience.

Luckily for you, the Mummy Guru community is here to help. We’ve gathered the top suggestions for what to bring and how to prepare for baby swim classes. With this guide, you’ll be set for more fun and less stress with the little one!

What to Bring for the Baby

Swim Diapers

These are required for almost all baby swim classes you’ll find in Singapore. You can get either reusable or disposable ones. 

If you go with reusable baby swim diapers, look for ones like the Splash About Happy Nappies. They tend to fit well on most babies and are also eco-friendly. 

Meanwhile, options like Little Swimmers from Huggies and Pampers Splashers are popular if you prefer disposables!

Baby Swimsuit and Rash Guard

Some will say this is optional, but we’ve found that lessons just go so much better with them. They’re great if your baby gets cold quickly, and especially if the lesson is outdoors.

For outdoor sessions, add sunscreen to your list as well. If your child is over six months old and you can find a baby-safe SPF 50 sunscreen, it’s advisable to use it.

Towels

Bring a couple of soft hooded towels so you can quickly dry and wrap up your little one after the swim class. One can be used right after the class, and the other for after you’ve given your baby a rinse or shower.

Change of Clothes

Your tyke needs clothes to wear after the swimming is done! Your baby will likely be tired, so try to pack things that are comfy and easy to change into if possible.

Baby’s Toiletries

It's important to rinse your little one off after the swim to get the chlorinated water off that sensitive skin!

Bring along a suitable baby body wash to help with the post-swim cleaning. Consider following it up with a baby lotion or moisturiser. Chlorine can dry out even adult skin quickly, so imagine what it can do to baby skin!

Milk

Babies tend to get tired after their swim, so make sure you bring fuel for after the class. A good rule of thumb is to pack at least one bottle of milk in your baby bag in case your little one gets hungry and needs a feed.

Wet Bags

After your swim lesson, do you know what you’ll have? A lot of damp towels, swimsuits, and at least one used swim diaper!

Pack wet bags or plastic bags for them so you don’t have them dripping water everywhere as you try to pack up. Remember to pack a separate wet bag for nappies, too!

What to Bring for Yourself

Your Swimwear

Chances are that your Singapore baby swim class is parent-accompanied. So, pack a swimsuit that lets you move easily while holding your baby – and consider putting it on before leaving home to reduce your prep time once you arrive at the pool!

Your Toiletries and Change of Clothes

Most parents do a quick rinse after the swim class too, so be sure to bring whatever you need for that: a towel, toiletries, and a set of clothes to change into.

A Waterproof Pouch

Want to keep your car keys or phone close during the class? Then make sure you have a waterproof pouch for storing them so you can take them into the pool with you if needed.

Hair Tie or Hairband

If you have long hair or a fringe that could get in the way, prepare a hair tie or hairband. It will make managing your baby and the class easier by giving you one less thing to worry about!

How to Prepare for the Baby Swim Class

1. Feed Baby in Advance

An hour to half-hour before the class, feed your little one. Don’t do it right before, because that can lead to discomfort during your baby's first swim. 

The goal here is to make sure your baby doesn’t fuss from hunger during the session.

2. Arrive 15 Minutes Early

If you want to give yourself and the baby a little time to settle in before the session, get there early. Some schools providing baby swim classes in Singapore will encourage you to arrive in advance for that. 

It also becomes necessary if you’d rather change yourself and your baby on-site instead of before leaving home.

3. Talk Your Baby Through It

Yes, your baby may not be capable of understanding everything you say just yet. Despite that, chatting with your little one about and during the experience can be a lovely way to keep them calm and happy!

Babies pick up so fast on their guardians’ energy and mood, so just maintaining a happy and cheerful tone can do a lot to make it a positive experience for your little one!

What to Expect During The Class

Every baby swim class is different, so it’s wise to ask the instructor beforehand how the classes are run. 

Generally, however, you can expect the class to focus on delivering a fun and safe experience that builds your child’s confidence in the water. Technique isn’t a concern yet!

There may be splashing, games, baby swim float exercises, and gentle movements. In all likelihood, you’ll be in the pool and in contact with your child the entire time too.

Don’t worry if your baby cries or seems a little upset at first, because swimming can be overstimulating the first time! If your child seems to be feeling this or getting tired, you can always take a break and rejoin the class once your baby is calmer. 

Finally, do a rinse and change after the class. (Your baby might doze off after it!)

Enjoy Your First Baby Swim Class

That covers about everything you should know for your first baby swim class.

Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly at first. Remember, it’s an experience, not a performance! Focus on connecting with your baby and enjoy bonding with them during the session.

If you'd like to get more tips on how to prepare for milestones like this, join the MummyGuru community and check out the other articles on our blog!